Hawaiian Language Immersion Rally Planned

A rally seeking fair assessment for Hawaiian Immersion School students is planned on Maui next week.

The event is being organized by the nonprofit Nā Leo Kāko`o o Maui, Inc., a group made up of parents and community members that support three Kula Kaiapuni or Hawaiian Immersion Schools, including: Pāia Elementary, Kalama Intermediate and King Kekaulike High School.

The rally will run from 3 to 4 p.m. on Tuesday, January 29, 2013, at the Hawaiʻi Department of Education offices on High Street in Wailuku in front of the State Building.

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“Since the imposition of federal mandates for the No Child Left Behind law, there has not been clarity on the best way to effectively demonstrate Hawaiian Immersion student learning,” said event participants.

“Additionally, the need for support and equity in resource allocation to effectively implement and achieve program goals must be addressed within the context of our public education system,” members of the group stated.

Supporters of Hawaiian language immersion schools are planning similar awareness events across the state on various islands.